Operatives of the Ekpan Police Division in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State have arrested an 11-year-old girl for unlawful possession of hard drugs.
The minor, identified simply as Rejoice, was apprehended while commuting in a commercial tricycle in Warri.
During an interview at the State Police Headquarters in Asaba, she revealed that she had been sent by her mother to purchase the substances, which included codeine, tramadol, and a drug known as “swinnol.” The drugs, according to her, were worth N100,000.
“I was alone with the Keke driver when I was arrested. My mum sent me to buy the drugs.
I carried them in a black polythene bag,” the girl said, contradicting social media reports that she was merely a passenger in the tricycle where the drugs were found.
Her mother, 45-year-old Esther Ugbunugo, later admitted to the crime. She confessed to sending her daughter to procure the substances, which she claimed she had been selling for nearly two years.
“I sell codeine and tramadol to Yahoo boys. Sometimes, I take a bit of tramadol myself when I can’t sleep,” she told reporters.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, described the incident as deeply troubling, noting the extent to which a child was exposed to illegal substances.
“It is particularly disturbing that an 11-year-old could identify these drugs by name without reading from the packs,” Edafe said. “We invited the girl and her mother to the State Command Headquarters to clarify the circumstances.
It’s clear that the child has been used for this illegal trade, and that is very unfortunate.”
READ ALSO
- Glasgow 2026: Nyong claims weightlifting silver
- David Jonsson Takes Over As Black Panther Six Years After Boseman’s Death
- WAFU B U-20 Championship: Maikaba seeks positive start against Ghana
- FG Honours Outgoing IMF Resident Rep, Reaffirms Strategic Partnership with IMF
- WAFCON 2026: Payne eyes back-to-back glory with Super Falcons
The police said investigations are ongoing and that appropriate charges would be filed against those involved.
